By William Selvaraj, CSC –
Readings: Hg 2:1-9; Lk 9: 18-22
Today, the church celebrates the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. St. Vincent was sold into slavery in Africa, but was freed when he converted his owner. He founded two religious communities, Congregation of the Vincentian Priests and Congregation of Sisters of Charity. He is known as the “Great Apostle of Charity”.
Through the First reading of the day, heavenly Father promises the people of Judah through prophet Haggai that God would be with them always and his spirit abides among them so that they may have courage and confidence without having any fear of anyone.
The Gospel passage raises a personal question to me, who is Jesus for me? I would say out of my personal experience and intimacy with him, that Jesus is my friend with whom everything can be shared. There are two types of opinions about Jesus. One is public opinion, that he is Elijah, John the Baptist and ancient prophet come back to life. This opinion does not come out of experience but out of mere seeing the miraculous works of Jesus.
The next is personal opinion from his disciples; only Peter confessed that he is the Son of God. This opinion does not come simply. It comes out of extraordinary intimate relationship with Jesus. To have the opinion like Peter, one should become a close follower of Jesus and live and listen to his inner words and have deep encounter with him in one’s hearts.
This personal experience is always heart-level in direct and close contact with him. It can be gained through the help of the Holy Spirit by reflecting and meditating as the great sages did. So, let us pray and recognize who Jesus is for you and me.